Lessons in construction administration come from everywhere — including the SONY scandal.

In case you are a bear hibernating in a cave (in which case, go back to sleep!), you’ve heard about the SONY hacking that was apparently, but not definitively, done by North Korea due to their displeasure over the movie The Interview. And, you may have found it amusing to read of the inner bickering at SONY, at lease until the threat of a national incident and the (at least temporary) yanking of the movie from its planned Christmas release.

Lost in all of the discussion about taste, censorship, security, and First Amendment rights, however, was a simple lesson for each of us. Never put anything in writing that you wouldn’t want to see on the TMZ report, the Wall Street Journal, or the New York Times. For example, don’t call one of the biggest stars in your studio (Angelina Jolie) a “minimally talented spoiled brat.”

We’ve all done it. Sent inappropriate emails. Vents. Laments. Stop. Endeavor to be boring rather than funny in all of your online accounts. You may be only laughing on the inside, but you’ll still have a job, respect, and knowledge that there are no hidden documents waiting to shame you at the stroke of a hacker’s keyboard. And, tell your employees to do the same.

Do you have an example of getting an inadvertent email or text? Something that could have been embarrassing if it leaked beyond your firm? Share in the comments below.